The history of the Watermelon Festival

Hailey Heseltine ECB Publishing, Inc. For 75 years, Monticello has been the home of the annual Watermelon Festival. At this time of year, Jefferson County has plenty of festivities to be found, old and Photo courtesy of Florida MemoryW. M. Girardeau revolutionized the watermelon industry in Jefferson County during the late 19th century. Pictured is W. M. Girardeau during the early 20th century with one of his sons, William Brya